Speaking during a discussion with NBC News on the sidelines of a House Republicans meeting in Doral, Florida, Johnson was asked whether he would support a US initiative aimed at reconstructing the Iranian state.
“I don’t support it. I don’t think that is our role,” he said, adding that the United States lacks both the resources and the willingness to undertake such a task. “It is not our responsibility.” According to Johnson, the priority for Washington should remain projecting “peace through strength”.
Questions over Russia’s role
Johnson was also asked how the United States should respond to reports that Russia may be providing Iran with intelligence regarding the positions of US forces.
He said he had not yet been briefed on the matter in his capacity as a member of the so-called “Gang of Eight”, the group of senior congressional leaders who receive classified intelligence briefings. He noted that he had only become aware of the reports the previous day.
Warning to Moscow if reports are confirmed
Johnson stressed that if the reports prove accurate, the issue would be “very serious”. He added that in the event of such a “new and provocative action”, Congress would likely examine possible responses.
“We have to make it so painful for Vladimir Putin that he ultimately lays down his arms,” Johnson said, noting that such an outcome may still take time.